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Eglin Airman honored at Destin celebration

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Local servicemembers are recognized with a summer flare, and it's colored red, white and blue.

First Lt. Nathaniel Meier, a flight test engineer with the Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force, was the first Eglin Airman to be recognized at the Red, White and Blue Celebration at the Destin HarborWalk June 30.

"I really appreciate the honor of being able to come out here tonight, appreciate all my friends and squadron coming out," said the Kansas native.

The third annual summer-long festivities will pay tribute to local heroes and military members from the surrounding military communities of Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field. Members being recognized are presented with a key to the city of Destin.

Community leaders honored the lieutenant for immense bravery and courage in saving two lives out of a rip current on Okaloosa Island shores.

"It was just one of those things where I was at the right place at the right time and did one of those things that needed to be done," said Meier.

The Red, White and Blue Celebration was not only dedicated to his accomplishments but to all things military - a patriotic choir group, three World War II-era T-6 Texan aircraft flyovers and a patriotic fireworks display. In addition to the ceremony, Lieutenant Meier was interviewed during a live radio broadcast and received gifts from local businesses.

"Nate did a great job. Like him, any one of the guys in my squadron would have done the same thing had they been in that place that time," said Lt. Col. David Wright, OFP-CTF commander. "I'm blessed we got a great bunch of guys in my squadron. I think as a country, we have an outstanding Air Force full of people like Nate."

Additional Eglin Airmen sharing this recognition will include Capt. Andreas Flowers, representing the 33rd Fighter Wing July 28; Capt. Mark Martin, representing the Air Force Research Lab Sept. 1.